Ullrich et al. highlight the importance of informed consent discussions with patients, especially when considering vitreoretinal surgeries and eye removal procedures, where the risk of sympathetic ophthalmia may be a material consideration [1]. Consent with respect to sympathetic ophthalmia can be a vital topic [2] which can be further elucidated with patients through understanding of the concept of the “illusion of explanatory depth” [3].

The illusion of explanatory depth refers to the tendency of individuals to overestimate their understanding of complex concepts [3], which has important implications for the informed consent process, especially in intricate medical contexts like vitreoretinal surgery and the risk of developing sympathetic ophthalmia. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle especially, entailing patients’ entitlement to a thorough comprehension of the potential risks and benefits of a procedure [4]. Understanding how this cognitive bias may influence both patients and doctors may enrich the consent process. For example, this bias may mean that patients feel they have a greater understanding of a procedure and risks, than they truly do. Similarly, a doctor may feel they have a greater understanding of the circumstances and priority of a patient than is the case.

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